After spending a couple of great days in Mexico City, it was time to leave. Mexico City was fantastic. I had mixed reactions from different people but I can proudly say that I really enjoyed myself while I was visiting. If you go, make sure you check out Teotihuacán and the anthropology museum…amazing but anyway, the report.

I took a taxi at around 6am from my hostel, which is really close to the Zócalo, to the airport. Since it was an early Sunday morning, I knew that there wouldn’t be any traffic so the trip was relatively short, but he was also speeding. I forget what time I arrived but I walked in the AA check-in area where a line had already formed. I immediately thought that the plane was going to be full on the way back. About 20 minutes later, I was checked in, and then I headed to security which was no problem.

A bad shot of the check-in area at MEX

Some of the Duty Free shops in MEX. I was really impressed with this area.

The gate had not been assigned yet, so walked around for a little bit and then sat in “Hall F3” and read. Soon enough it was time to board our flight to ORD.

AA1596
Depart – 8:50am
Arrive – 12:45pm
Equip. - 752

Boarding went quick as the flight wasn’t sold out! I would say that about 95% of the Y cabin didn’t have someone sitting in the middle seats.

The interior of the aircraft was in pretty sad shape

We began to taxi to the runway and I notice the people movers and how they become gates at the terminal, which I found very clever!

Various AM aircraft (what is the AMMEX-NRT schedule by the way??)

Rolling down the runway

I saw this during the climb and was amazed, it was beautiful!

I decided to read some more once we reached cruising altitude which I believe was 36000ft. They had a movie on this flight which was Oceans 13. The drink cart came around twice and the same Buy-on-Board stuff was offered. One lady sitting across from me bought nearly $20 worth of stuff! The guy sitting next to me kept putting his trash in the seat back pocket even half full cans (more to come later on that).

Crossing the US border

Some airport…anyone recognize?

Another airport….anyone? I have no idea…

On decent, we circled ORD to get in line

I was irritated that I was sitting on the wrong side of the plane as we taxied towards the international terminal. I missed good pictures of all the planes there! Of the quick glance I saw KL 747, PrivatAir, LH 747, JL 747, several UA widebodies, SK, EI, VS, KE and then I did catch the BD flight land as we turned in to the VERY LAST gate!

After the mile and a half walk to customs, I got my bag, put it in the connecting flights pile and took the train to the main terminal to go through security. After that, I got some food and then sat near the gate in concourse H.

People waiting around the desk/gate because the flight crew got stuck in traffic on the way to the airport.

Once the F/A’s arrived, boarding went really fast since everyone was waiting right there.

I tried to get a picture of the international terminal, but it was too far away for a good picture

I didn’t take any shots leaving ORD because I was once again on the wrong side of the plane to get any good pictures. One thing I found odd was that they had a drink service on a full 757 for a 52 minute flight…

Coming into DTW

Berry Terminal

North Terminal

Smith Terminal

Tried to get some pictures of the international flights at McNamara Terminal before the plane turned. I was able to see LH, AF and some NW 747’s and A333’s

After we parked at the gate, I went to get my bag, and since I was so close to the Big Blue Lot I just saved myself a buck and 15 minutes and walked to my car. On the way I got a picture of the front of the new North Terminal

It’s going to be nice!

Overall my experience with AA was pleasant. I have always avoided them before due to many rumors of bad service and uncomfortable seats but I think I might be willing to try them on a TATL flight I have in the spring…who knows!

Excellent pictures! It's funny for me to read this as my best friend is going to Chicago in the same flight with AA as well. I hope she gets the 757 and then I can get a wonderful new safety card for my collection

I haven't been to MEX since 2004; was that right after security? Like literally the first step after leaving the Xray machine? I've noticed, primarily in Latin America, that there is a trend toward putting security basically *in* Duty Free. I'm not sure how I feel about it .

Quoting KLM685 (Reply 8):You're about right. They don't charge for any in any flight.

Neither does CO, but for real meals only lunch and dinner and over 3 1/2 hrs. That being said, the lunch snack tends to be a 3" subway sandwich + chips in the main cabin. BTW, the same snack is served on COX flights.

I can't get over that AA doesn't offer free food on a 4 hr flight. Doesn't everyone else?

D'accord, especially since it's an international flight. However, I was given a full meal on a pair of flights from MIA to BOG and back earlier this year, which is never more than a 3.5 hour flight. Why the difference?

Looks like u had a great trip! Did you happen to talk any shots of the interior of the terminal in DTW? It's been forever since ive been there, im from DTW but always fly Northwest, and ive wanted to see some shots of it for a while.

AA considers MEX a domestic market like the Caribbean flights therefore the level of service is poor and no frills in Coach. To BOG, it is considered South America and therefore they serve a hot meal in Coach, it has nothing to do with flight duration in that case. Most Mexicans are used to the high level of service on their legacy carriers (AM/MX) which is very good however I think that would change with the increased LCC competition and financial problems at AM. AA load factors to MEX have not decreased since the meals in Coach were eliminated. Business Class to/from MEX is usually 100% full and always has plenty of people on the upgrade list (Advantage members). If meals were that important, Mexican passengers should write to AA Consumer Relations but bottom line if they get the lowest fare they will fly AA to bitch and moan for not getting a hot meal on top of it! :O

Quoting Greggarious (Reply 11):Mexico City is definitely on my to-do list at some point (although still characteristically smog-ridden, from the looks of it).

Mexico City was very nice, but even in October, very smogy

Quoting NwAflyer07 (Reply 14):Did you happen to talk any shots of the interior of the terminal in DTW?

I tried when i first left the Smith terminal but it was too early in the morning. I didn't even think about it when i came back! From what i remember, it was VERY basic at the AA side of Smith. I remember walking past a Quizno's and there was a Starbucks in the middle where all the gates were.